Suspension mechanism for connecting the moving tub assembly of the washing machines with horizontal axis to the fixed body

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a suspension mechanism in automatic washing machines with horizontal axis, consisting of connecting the moving tub assembly ( 2 ) with cabinet ( 1 ), using one or more elastic band(s) ( 6 ) on one or more plane(s) crossing the tub ( 2 ) geometrical axis, (and drum ( 3 ) rotary axis) laterally or longitudinally. Some or all of the bands may be connected in a stretched manner so that they could support the weight of the tub assembly or they may be connected loosely so that they will start to operate after some movement of the tub assembly. The resistance and damping parameters for the suspension mechanism are provided by properly dimensioning the bands, and by their reciprocal movements with friction on the tub and/or by their own elasticity.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a suspension mechanism in automaticwashing machines with horizontal axis, loaded from the front or from thetop, providing the positioning of the tub (2) and its vibratory movementin the cabinet (1).

Automatic washing machines are electrical appliances wherein the clothesloaded into a cylindirical drum (3) are washed by theagitation/fluctuations created by the rotation of the drum (3). Thebasic functions of the machine such as water and detergent intake,washing, rinsing, spindrying and water discharge are performedautomatically and according to a predetermined program. Washing machineswith horizontal axis are characterized in that the rotational axis ofthe drum (3) wherein the laundry is loaded, is parallel or inclined atan angle smaller than 45° to the ground. There are two major types ofautomatic washing machines with horizontal axis, with regard to thelocation of the loading door, namely front-loading and top-loadingmachines. In the front-loading machines with horizontal axis, theopening axis of the loading door is perpendicular to the axis of thedrum (3) rotary axis and it is perpendicular or at some angle to thefloor in front of the cabinet (1), depending on whether the drum (3)rotary axis is parallel or at a certain angle to the floor. Whereas inthe top-loading horizontal axis machines, the door is on top of thecabinet (1) and its opening axis is parallel to and above the drum (3)rotary axis.

The tub assembly comprising the drum (3) vibrates due to the non-uniformand unbalanced distribution of the laundry in the drum (3) because ofsuch processes as inserting the clothes in the water and taking themout, and dropping them down from certain heights with the rotary motionof the drum (3) during the washing cycle and the laundry taking a lumpyform during rinsing and spinning operations. The suspension mechanism isan arrangement consisting of such components as springs (4), dampers (5)and the like, to be used for the purpose of damping (suppressing) thesevibrations and transferring them to the cabinet (1) of the machine sothat the user will not be disturbed.

STATE OF ART RELATED TO THE INVENTION

The components making up the automatic washing machines with horizontalaxis can be classified in general terms as: a cabinet (1), moving tub(2) assembly, suspension mechanism and water connection parts.

The cabinet (1) is provided with the detergent dispenser, control panel,laundry loading door, pump, water inlet and outlet hoses. As mentionedabove, the laundry loading door is in front of the cabinet (1) infront-loading machines and is on top of the cabinet (1) in top-loadingmachines.

The moving tub assembly consists of; a drum (2), counter weights fixedon the drum (2), a roller bearing at the rear surface of the tub (2), acylindrical shaft passing through the said roller bearing and makingrotating movement, a flange fixed to this shaft, a geometricallysymmetric drum (3) connected to the shaft by means of the said flange, aheater placed between the outer surface of the drum (3) and the innersurface of the tub (2), an electrical motor mounted below or behind thetub (2) or in the roller bearing, moment transmission components such asbelt, pulley, gear assembly, etc., providing the transmission of themotor movement to the shaft-flange-drum group. The drum (3) rotatesaround its axis of symmetry, by means of these moment transmissioncomponents in case the motor is below the tub (2), and by means of therotative movement transmitted directly to the shaft, in case it is abovethe roller bearing. On the inner surface of the drum (3) wherein thelaundry is loaded, are a plurality of baffles and on its outer surfaceare a plurality of small holes/piercings. In some machines, on the frontand/or rear surfaces there are balancing components with moving smallmasses therein.

The moving tub assembly making vibratory movements in the machine, isconnected to the cabinet (1) by means of a suspension mechanismconsisting of such components as spring (4) and damper (5). In thesuspension mechanisms formed by the conventional technique, one or morespring (s) [4] and/or damper (s) [5]; and/or spring-damper whichfunctions as spring and damper, are used. By means of elastic bellow,placed on the body (1) between the loading door and the front surface ofthe tub, water is retained in the tub (2), prevented to leak out of thetub (2) during the operation of the machine.

Washing is a process provided by the rotational movements of the drum(3) to left or to right, and by its stopping and waiting for a certainperiod without rotating, after controlling such parameters as direction,speed, time period, angle of rotation; amount, type, temperature of thewashing water; type, amount of chemical cleaning agents are controlled.During this process, the rotative speed of the drum (3) is such that itwill not allow the laundry within the drum are spinned on the wall ofthe drum due to the centrifugal force and rotate together with the drum.The baffles on the inner surfaces of the drum (3) provide the movement,raising and dropping and tumbling of the laundry inside the drum duringwashing and can also serve to circulate the water within the drum.

During the rinsing cycle, following the washing cycle, generally thedrum (3) will rotate together with the laundry it contains, under theeffect of centrifugal force: however it is rotated at low speeds so thatan excessive imbalance will not be created because of the high amount ofwater. During this process an important portion of water remained in thelaundry is discharged into the tub (2) under the effect of thecentrifugal forces created by the rotation of the drum (3), out of thedrum holes. Controls are made in order to determine the rotational speedof the drum (3) wherein a high speed spinning will be realized.

After the completion of washing and rinsing phases, during the spinningcycle some more of the remaining water in the drum is discharged intothe tub (2) through the drum (3) holes, due to the high centrifugalforces created by the high speed rotation of the drum. Then wateraccumulated in the tub (2) is evacuated from the machine by means of apump and the water discharge hose.

In the patent application No. EP 0 655 111 system consisting of metalcables with elastic, anti-impact and anti-vibration properties developedfor supporting a rotary unit within a fixed frame, is explained.However, this system is completely different from the inventiondisclosed in this application in such points as its being metallic, itsbeing connected to the tub and body at a single point and its basicallyfunctioning as a spring.

TECHNICAL PROBLEMS AIMED TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

The tub assembly including the drum (3) makes vibratory movements in thecabinet (1) in the washing cycle during the rotation of the drum, due tothe immersion of the laundry into the washing water and taking it outand to the dropping of the laundry from certain heights within the drumi.e tumbling of the laundry: and in rinsing and spinning cycles, thenon-uniform distribution of the laundry taking lumpy forms within thedrum (3).

In the known suspension mechanisms; the resistance parameters of thesprings (4) and damping parameters of the dampers (5), taken intoconsideration together with weight of the moving tub assembly and theresistance and/or damping parameters of such components as the bellowsplaced between the tub assembly (2) and the cabinet (1), or water hosesetc., should be “rigid” enough so that the tub assembly can easily makevibratory movements without hitting the fixed components, but it shouldalso be ‘soft’ enough to transmit the forces created due to vibrationwithout causing the cabinet (1) to move on the floor. In other words, a“too rigid” suspension mechanism decreases the vibration of the tubassembly but increases the possibility of the cabinet (1) moving on thefloor whereas a too ‘soft’ suspension mechanism reduces the possibilityof its moving oil the floor but causes an increase in the vibratorymovements of the tub assembly and subsequently the possibility ofhitting the fixed components.

Another parameter defining the resistance/damping properties of thesuspension mechanism and preventing it from being “too soft” is thenecessity of preventing the tub assembly from sinking too much into thecabinet (1) and consequently preventing the centers of the drum (3)rotational axis and the laundry loading gate on top of the cabinet (1)from being differentiated. In such a case, the rubber bellow-like gasketplaced between the laundry loading gate and the drum (3) will be wornout and/or will draw the resistance/damping parameters of the suspensionmechanism to unwanted levels due to its excessive deformation.

The objective of the present invention is to provide the suspension ofthe tub assembly in such a manner that it can vibrate freely in thebody, by using the elastic bands (6) instead of the suspension mechanismcomponents such as spring (4), damper (5) etc. that arc used in theconventional systems or together with them. The required resistance anddamping parameters are obtained by sizing the bands (6) appropriately,by the elasticity of the bands and (or by their reciprocal movementswith friction on the tub (2) as shown in FIG. 6, consequently thevibrations of the tub assembly are suppressed and transmitted to thefixed exterior cabinet (1) of the machine so that they would not disturbthe user.

Another objective of the present invention is to make the suspensionmechanism “softer” than the stiffness degree implemented by the existingtechnique, in other words, to reduce the resistance/damping parametersof the suspension mechanism, with or without the suspension mechanismcomponents such as spring (4), damper (5) etc. that are used in theconventional systems, so that the bellow component located between theloading door and the drum (3) will not be worn off and it will not drawthe resistance/damping parameters of the suspension mechanism tounwanted levels due to its excessive deformation. In this way the impactof the tub assembly to the fixed components will be prevented and itwill be possible to reduce the movement of the cabinet (1) on the floorso that the sinking of the tub assembly into the cabinet (1) due to theweight of the washing water taken into the tub (2) during the operationof the washing machine and consequently the differentiation between thecenters of the drum (3) rotational axis and the loading door will theprevented.

Yet another objective of the present invention is the use of elasticbands (6) being the subject matter of the invention, in the place ofsuch suspension mechanism components as spring (4), damper (5) etc.without using them. In this way, it will be possible to reduce the sizeof the space required between the structure body (1) and the tubassembly due to the geometrical structures of the known suspensionmechanism components; consequently, to reduce the total volume andweight of the machine; or with the same body (1) dimensions, to providethe utilisation of the gained extra volume for other purposes; to carrythe production and installation procedures of the suspension mechanismin a more economical way than the conventional technique from thestandpoint of cost and time.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a, is the perspective view showing the use of one band (6) lyingon a plane to traverse the geometrical axis of the tub (2) (and therotational axis of the drum (3));

FIG. 1b, is the perspective view showing the use of two bands (6) eachone lying on two separate planes traversing the geometrical axis of thetub (2) (and the rotational axis of the drum (3)).

FIG. 1c, is the perspective view showing the use of one band (6) lyingon a plane crossing the geometrical axis of the tub (2) (and therotational axis of the drum (3)) longitudinally,

FIG. 1d, is the perspective view showing the use of two bands (6) eachlying on two separate planes crossing the geometrical axis of the tub(2) (and the rotational axis of the drum (3)) longitudinally,

FIG. 2a, is the perspective view showing the use of two bands (6) lyingon a plane traversing the geometrical axis of the tub (2) (and therotational axis of the drum (3));

FIG. 2b, is the perspective view showing the use of four bands (6) eachpair lying on two separate planes traversing the geometrical axis of thetub (2) (and the rotational axis of the drum (3));

FIG. 2c, is the perspective view showing the use of two bands (6) lyingon one plane crossing the geometrical axis of the tub (2) (and therotational axis of the drum (3)) longitudinally;

FIG. 2d, is the perspective view showing the use of four bands (6) eachpair lying on two separate planes crossing the geomiietrical axis of thetub (2) (and the rotational axis of the drum (3)) longitudinally;

FIG. 3a, is the perspective view showing the use of three bands (6)lying on a plane traversing the geometrical axis of the tub (2) (and therotational axis of the drum (3));

FIG. 3b, is the perspective view showing the use of six bands (6) threeeach lying on two separate planes traversing the geometrical axis of thetub (2) (and the rotational axis of the drum (3));

FIG. 4a, is the perspective view showing the use of four bands (6) lyingon a plane traversing the geometrical axis of the tub (2) (and therotational axis of the drum (3));

FIG. 4b, is the perspective view showing the use of eight bands (6) foureach lying on two separate planes traversing the geometrical axis of thetub (2) (and the rotational axis of the drum (3));

FIG. 5a, is the perspective view showing the use of two bands (6) lyingon a plane traversing the geometrical axis of the tub (2) (and therotational axis of the drum (3) and two bands (6) lying on a planecrossing the geometrical axis of the tub (2) (and the rotational axis ofthe drum (3)) longitudinally;

FIG. 5b, is the perspective view showing the use of four bands (6) twoeach lying on two separate planes traversing the geometrical axis of thetub (2) (and the rotational axis of the drum (3) and four bands (6) twoeach lying on two separate planes crossing the geometrical axis of thetub (2) (and the rotational axis of the drum (3)) longitudinally;

FIG. 6a, shows the connection of the bands (6) to the tub (2) in a rigidway, in a perspective view;

FIG. 6b, shows the connection of the bands (6) to the tub (2) in a rigidway, movably on the tub, in a perspective view;

FIG. 6c, show the connection of a separate part incorporated to thecenter of the bands (6) so that it can move over the tub (2), in aperspective view;

FIG. 6d, show the connection of a separate part incorporated to thecenter of the bands (6), on their upper and lower surfaces so that itcan move over the tub (2), in a perspective view;

FIG. 7a, shows schematically the connection of the fastening parts (8 a,8 b) joined to the ends of the bands (6) by attaching them to a long pin(9 b) to which other bands can also be fastened in such a manner thatthey are mutually opposed and side by side, to the cabinet (1).

FIG. 7b, shows schematically the connection of the fastening parts (8 a,8 b) joined to the ends of the bands (6) by attaching them to a pin (9a) slightly longer than the width of the bands on which only two bandsare attached; in such a manner that they are mutually opposed and sideto side to the cabinet (1);

FIGS. 7c and 7 e, shows schematically the connection of the fasteningparts (8 c, 8 d and 8 e, 8 f) joined to the ends of the bands (6) sothat they mutually interlock with each other, to the cabinet (1), byattaching them to a long pin (9 b) to which other bands can also befastened, in two embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 7d and 7 f, shows schematically the connection of the fasteningparts (8 c, 8 d and 8 e, 8 f) joined to the ends of the bands (6) sothat they mutually interlock with each other, to the cabinet (1), byattaching them to a pin (9 a) that is slightly longer than the width ofthe bands on which only two bands are attached, in two embodiments ofinvention;

FIGS. 8a-8 d show bands formed of cables, thin wires, in cylindricalform, and in braided form, respectively.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The suspension mechanism according to the invention, consists of theconnection of the moving tub assembly within the machine to the cabinet(1) by using one or more elastic bands (s) (6) made of preferably butnot limited to, elastomer based elastic material, lying on one or moreplane (s) traversing and/or crossing longitudinally the geometrical axisof the tub (2) (and the rotational axis of tile drum (3)) or, areperpendicular and/or parallel with regard to the floor.

In the suspension mechanism of the invention;

The bands (6) may be used in the place of the suspension mechanismcomponents of the conventional technique, such as spring (4), damper(5), etc. or together with them;

Some or all of the bands can be connected rigidly so that they supportthe weight of the tub assembly or they can be connected loosely so thatsome or all of them will start functioning only after some movement ofthe tub assembly;

Bands can be of any cross section, preferably with a rectangular crosssection and are dimensioned to provide the required resistance anddamping properties;

The bands can have a continuous cross section or have discontinuitieswith holes of various sizes;

Two or more of the bands (6) on the same plane are connected in paralleland/or at a small angle with regard to each other.

The connections (7) of the bands (6) to the tub (2) can be realised onthe tub (2) peripheral iron sheet and/or front and rear iron sheets, atone or more points; in such a manner that:

one or more bands (s) are connected to the tub (2) rigidly by using acomplementary piece (7 a) (FIG. 6a), and/or

by using a complementary piece (7 b) to allow one or more bands (s) tomake reciprocal movements on the tub (FIG. 6b) and/or

by using a complementary piece (7 c) to allow one or more band (s)joined by a different piece (7 e), to make reciprocal movements on thetub (2) (FIG. 6c), and/or

by using a complementary piece (7 d) to allow one or more pieces (s) (7f) fastened to the lower and/or upper surfaces of one or more bands(FIG. 6d).

Both ends (8) of the bands (6) are formed by various productiontechniques to make their connection to the cabinet (1) possible or arefixed to the intermediary pieces (8 a, 8 b, 8 c, 8 d, 8 e, 8 f) whichare formed for this purpose.

These intermediary pieces, as shown in FIG. 7, form a set when they areattached on a pin (9) in an opposing position, in such a manner thatthey are side by side (8 a, 8 b) or that they interlock with each other(8 c, 8 d, or 8 e, 8 f). For the fixation of these bands (6) onto thecabinet (1), the cabinet is provided with some components with which oneor more band end (s) will be engaged. These components (9) shown in FIG.7 can be in the form of:

pin-like components slightly wider than the width of the bands (6), onwhich each band end (6), is attached separately; or

pin-like components (9 a) slightly wider than the width of the bands(6), on which mutually opposed two band (6) ends are attachedside-by-side or interlocking with each other; or

pins (9 b) extending from the front to the rear side on which one ormutually opposed two band (6) ends at different planes (e.g. at twodifferent planes in the front and at the back of the tub (2)) areattached side-by-side or interlocking with each other.

For illustrative purposes:

FIGS. 1a and 1 b show respectively the use of one band (6) each at oneand two planes perspectively;

FIGS. 2a and 2 b show respectively the use of two bands (6) each pair atone and two planes perspectively;

FIGS. 3a and 3 b show respectively the use of three bands (6) each threeat one and two planes perspectively;

FIGS. 4a and 4 b show respectively the use of four bands (6) each fourat one and two planes perspectively;

In these examples, the tub assembly has a cylindrical structure that isparallel to the ground and the connection plane of the bands (6)traverses the tub (2) geometrical axis (and drum (3) rotational axis).In case the tub assembly is positioned as inclined at an angle smallerthan 45° to the ground, the connection planes of the bands may also beinclined at a certain angle towards the ground, traversing the tub (2)geometrical axis (and drum (3) rotational axis) the same way, or can beperpendicular to the ground and consequently traversing the tub (2)geometrical axis (and drum (3) rotational axis) at a certain angle.

FIGS. 1c and 1 d show respectively the use of one band (10) each,crossing the tub (2) geometrical axis (and drum (3) rotational axis)longitudinally at one and two planes. whereas FIGS. 2c and 2 d showrespectively the use of two bands (6) each, crossing the tub (2)geometrical axis (and drum (3) rotational axis) at one and two planes.

Each connection detail shown as examples in FIGS. 1,2,3 and 4, can beused separately or in combination with each other. FIG. 5a, presented asan example of referred combination forms, is the perspective viewshowing the use of two bands (6) on a plane traversing the tub (2)geometrical axis (and drum (3) rotational axis) and the use of two bands(6) on a plane crossing the tub (2) geometrical axis (and drum (3)rotational axis) longitudinally; whereas FIG. 5b is the perspective viewof the use of two bands each (6) on two separate planes traversing thetub (2) geometrical axis (and drum (3) rotational axis) and the use oftwo bands (6) each lying on two separate planes crossing the geometricalaxis of the tub (2) (and the rotational axis of the drum (3)longitudinally.

In a specific embodiment shown in FIGS. 1a and 1 b, wherein the bands(6) of the invention are used in addition to (as supplementary) suchcomponents as spring (4), damper (5), etc., one or more elastic bands(6) with following properties are used:

Connected to the cabinet (1) from bath ends and to the tub (2) from atleast one point at the intermediary region, so that they extend belowthe tub (2) inside the cabinet (1)

When there is no water in the tub (2), loose enough not to have anyresistance/damping effect on the tub in the position where the drum (3)axis and the front door axis coincide with each other;

When the tub (2) is filled with water, the tub assembly sinks down andis supported by these bands which apply a certain force to avoid the tubassembly from further sinking down,

These bands loosen again after the water in the tub (2) is dischargedand the tub assembly rises up again and thereafter the bands do notapply any force on the tub assembly during rinsing and spinning phases.

It will be appreciated that the bands may also be formed of cables 10 orthin wires 11. Additionally, the bands may be in cylindrical form asillustrated in FIG. 8c at 12 or it may be in braided form as illustratedat 13 in FIG. 8d.

MODE OF APPLYING THE INVENTION TO INDUSTRY

Due to the present invention, it has been possible to reduce the totalvolume occupied by the washing machine and therefore to reduce itsweight without changing the capacity of washing. Thus;

transportation of the machine from the production plant to the salespoint and from the sales point to the user s property becomes moreeconomical and easier;

accomodation and/or displacing of the machine in such volumes askitchen, bathroom etc. of the user is easier.

In case the machine cabinet (1) according to the invention ismanufactured with the same dimensions as the conventional machines, itis also possible to place the laundry loading door higher andconsequently in a more ergonomical way than those in the conventionalmachines and to use the additional volume provided by this way for otherpurposes.

What is claimed is:
 1. A washing machine with a horizontal axiscomprising: a cabinet, a tub assembly mounted for vibratory movement inthe cabinet, a drum mounted for rotational movement about an axispassing through the tub assembly and in which laundry to be washed isloaded; said tub assembly being carried by a suspension mechanismincluding one or more bands, both ends of each of said one or more bandsbeing connected to the cabinet; said bands being connected to aperipheral iron sheet on at least one point thereof and forming part ofthe tub assembly, said connection enabling the one or more bands forreciprocal movements on the tub assembly.
 2. A washing machine accordingto claim 1 wherein some of said one or more bands are elastomer-basedelastic bands.
 3. A washing machine according to claim 1 wherein some ofsaid one or more bands comprise metallic leaf springs.
 4. A washingmachine according to claim 1 wherein some of said one or more bandscomprise cables.
 5. A washing machine according to claim 1 wherein someof said one or more bands comprise thin wires.
 6. A washing machineaccording to claim 1 wherein some of said one or more bands are in theform of thin, flat plates.
 7. A washing machine according to claim 1wherein some of said one or more bands are in a cylindrical form.
 8. Awashing machine according to claim 1 wherein some of said one or morebands are in a braided form.
 9. A washing machine according to claim 1wherein some of said one or more bands have a continuous cross-sectionwithout any discontinuities.
 10. A washing machine according to claim 1wherein some of said one or more bands have discontinuities.
 11. Awashing machine according to claim 1 including a separate frictioncomponent intermediate the ends of said one or more bands, enabling saidone or more bands to make reciprocal movements on the tub assembly. 12.A washing machine according to claim 1 wherein said separate frictioncomponents are joined to lower or upper surfaces of the bands, enablingsaid one or more bands to make reciprocal movements on said tubassembly.
 13. A washing machine according to claim 1 wherein some ofsaid one or more bands lie in one or more planes extending normal to andpassing through a geometrical axis of the tub assembly and a rotationalaxis of said drum.
 14. A washing machine according to claim 1 whereinsome of said one or more bands extend longitudinally and lie in one ormore planes extending parallel to a geometrical axis of the tub assemblyand an axis of rotation of said drum.
 15. A washing machine according toclaim 1 wherein some of said one or more bands lie in one or more planesextending normal to and passing through a geometrical axis of the tubassembly and a rotational axis of the drum, some of said one or morebands extend longitudinally and lie in one or more planes extendingparallel to a geometrical axis of the tub assembly and a rotational axisof the drum.
 16. A washing machine according to claim 1 whereinfastening elements at ends of the bands are connected to the cabinet bya set of elements disposed side-by-side when mutually engaged.
 17. Awashing machine according to claim 16 including a pin on the cabinetextending slightly longer than a width of the bands on which each bandend is attached separately for fixation of some of said one or morebands to the cabinet.
 18. A washing machine according to claim 16including pins on the cabinet that are slightly longer than a width ofthe bands, two opposing band ends being attached to said pins so thatthey are side-by-side for fixation of some or all of said one or morebands.
 19. A washing machine according to claim 16 including pins on thecabinet extending slightly longer than a width of the bands, on whichtwo opposing band ends are attached concentrically for fixation of someor all of said one or more bands to the cabinet.
 20. A washing machineaccording to claim 16 including pins extending from the front to theback of the cabinet sufficiently long for attachment of other bands onsaid pins, two opposing band ends being attached concentrically on saidpins for the fixation of some or all of said one more bands.
 21. Awashing machine according to claim 16 including connection rodsextending from front to back of the cabinet that are sufficiently longfor attachment of other bands on said rods, two opposing band ends beingattached concentrically on said rods for fixation of some or all of saidone or more bands.
 22. A washing machine according to claim 1 includingfastening elements at ends of the bands connected to the cabinet by aset of elements mutually interlocked with each other.
 23. A washingmachine according to claim 1 wherein some or all of said one or morebands are connected loosely between the tub assembly and the cabinet sothat the bands apply a force on the tub assembly only subsequent to acertain movement of the tub assembly.